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Kara Young

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BIO

Kara Young made her Broadway debut in Lynn Nottage’s Clyde’s for which she received a Tony and a Drama Desk Nomination for Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Play. This year, Young received her second Tony and Drama Desk nomination for Outstanding Featured Performance in a Play in the Pulitzer Prize winner, Cost of Living. Her other accolades include: an Obie Award, an Audelco Award and a Drama Desk nomination for her portrayal of Viola in Classical Theatre of Harlem’s, Twelfth Night; the inaugural Florence Mills Rising Star Award from Black Women on Broadway and a Theatre World Award. Her other stage credits include All The Natalie Portmans, Halfway Bitches Go Straight to Heaven, The New Englanders, The Revolving Cycles Truly and Steadily Roll’d, Syncing Ink, and Pretty Hunger. She will next appear as a series regular in the highly anticipated Amazon series, “I’m a Virgo,” created by Boots Riley. Previous TV credits include: HBO Max’s “The Staircase;” Amazon’s feature “Chemical Hearts;” HBO’s “Random Acts of Flyness;” and Netflix’s “The Punisher.”

Photos

STAGE CREDITS

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 2025
Performer

[Off-Broadway]
MCC Theatre Off-Broadway Premiere Production, 2024
Jada

[Broadway]
Broadway Revival Production, 2023
Lutiebelle Gussie Mae Jenkins

[Broadway]
Manhattan Theatre Club Original Broadway Production, 2022
Jess

[Broadway]
2021
Performer

[Off-Broadway]
MCC Theater's Off-Broadway World Premiere, 2020
Cast

[Off-Broadway]
Atlantic Theatre's Off-Broadway World Premiere, 2019
Cast

[Off-Broadway]
Manhattan Theatre Club Off-Broadway World Premiere, 2019
Performer

[Off-Broadway]
World Premier Production, 2018
Karma


Movies

Lunatics Lovers & Actors
[ 2009 ] Leticia
Saving Julian
[ 2012 ] Kara
Cybornetics
[ 2012 ] Lisa
Cybornetics: Urban Cyborg
[ 2013 ] Lisa
Fishbowl
[ 2015 ] Audition Monitor
Bruce!!!!
[ 2017 ] DJ Love Jones
Meat Puppet: The Filmed Experience
[ 2017 ] Harley Patrón
King of Knives
[ 2020 ] Darla
Materna
[ 2020 ] Kara
Chemical Hearts
[ 2020 ] LolaLaHaynes
Blow Up My Life
[ 2022 ] Charlie August
Master
[ 2022 ] Scha

Awards and Nominations

Drama Desk Awards - 2024 - Outstanding Featured Performance in a Play

Kara Young, Purlie Victorious

Drama League Awards - 2024 - Distinguished Performance

Kara Young, Purlie Victorious


winner
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2024 - Outstanding Featured Performer in a Broadway Play

Kara Young, Purlie Victorious


winner
Tony Awards - 2024 - Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Play

Kara Young, Purlie Victorious

Drama Desk Awards - 2023 - Outstanding Featured Performance in a Play

Kara Young, Cost of Living

Drama Desk Awards - 2023 - Outstanding Lead Performance in a Play

Kara YoungTwelfth Night

Tony Awards - 2023 - Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Play

Kara Young, Cost of Living


winner
Obie Awards - 2022 - Performance Award

Kara YoungTwelfth Night


winner
Theatre World Awards - 2022 - Theatre World Awards

Kara Young, Clyde's

Tony Awards - 2022 - Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Play

Kara Young, Clyde's

Videos

News


LaTanya Richardson Jackson, Harry Lennix, Kara Young & More Will Star in PURPOSE on Broadway

Complete casting has been announced for the highly-anticipated Broadway transfer of Steppenwolf Theatre Company’s production of Tony Award-winner Branden Jacobs-Jenkins’ new play, PURPOSE. Check out who has joined the cast!
New Play HOP THA A To Have Industry Reading In This Month

SPARK Theatricals has announced an exclusive industry presentation of hop ThA A, a new play by James Anthony Tyler.
The Classical Theatre Of Harlem Unveils 2025 Season Featuring MEMNON NY Premiere & More

The Classical Theatre of Harlem has revealed its 2025 season. The upcoming season will feature a thrilling array of performances, including the beloved Holiday Concert Series and much more. See full programming and learn how to purchase tickets.
Brandon Victor Dixon & Kara Young to Join The Classical Theatre of Harlem's HARLEM HOLIDAYS

The Classical Theatre of Harlem will present the award-winning Brandon Victor Dixon for Harlem Holidays, a festive holiday concert with an open bar at Red Rooster Harlem. Learn how to purchase tickets.
Kara Young to Star in Film Adaptation of Alesha Harris' IS GOD IS Play

Kara Young and Mallori Johnson are set to star as the main twin sisters in a new feature adaptation of Alesha Harris' award-winning play Is God Is. Sterling K. Brown, Vivica A. Fox and Janelle Monae have also been cast in the film, which Harris is adapting from her play.
REEFER MADNESS Comes to Theatre Tulsa

Theatre Tulsa will present the high-flying musical comedy Reefer Madness as an add-on to its 102nd season. Inspired by the 1936 film of the same name, this satirical musical offers a tongue-in-cheek look at the hysteria surrounding marijuana in the 1930s, following clean-cut kids as they fall into a downward spiral filled with jazz music, sex, and violence.
Photos: Stars Walk the Red Carpet for Opening Night of YELLOW FACE

The stars aligned at the Todd Haimes Theatre to celebrate opening night of Roundabout Theatre Company's new production of Yellow Face by David Henry Hwang. BroadwayWorld was there to capture all of the stars and VIP guests.
Photos: Inside Black Theatre United's 2024 Gala

Earlier this week, Black Theatre United celebrated its 2024 Gala, “Generations of Excellence.' Check out photos from the star-studded red carpet!
Photos/Video: 2024 BROADWAY FLEA MARKET Raises $1,421,675

Thousands of Broadway fans, countless theatrical treasures and dozens of Broadway stars lit up New York City’s Theater District - and ushered in a record-breaking fundraising total - when the Broadway Flea Market & Grand Auction returned Sunday, September 22, 2024. Check out photos and video from the event!
2024 Broadway Flea Market & Grand Auction- A Full Guide

It's just days until one of the most anticipated events of the season for theater lovers. The Broadway Flea Market & Grand Auction is about to take over the Theatre District and we have all info you need to prepare yourself for the big day!
Broadway Flea Market & Grand Auction to Take Place This Sunday

Broadway Flea Market & Grand Auction will return for one day only this Sunday, September 22, 2024. More than 50 tables are set to sell stage-used props, memorabilia, posters and more. See how to attend!
Broadway Buying Guide: September 16, 2024- HAMILTON, CHICAGO & WICKED Are on Top

Looking for the best deals on Broadway shows? Welcome to our new weekly guide to the most popular shows listed on BroadwayWorld. Check out which shows are selling this week, September 16, 2024.
Jordan Fisher, Alyssa Milano & More to Join Broadway Flea Market & Grand Auction Autograph Table & Photo Booth

Broadway stars are set to sign theatrical treasures and pose for photos with fans at the Broadway Flea Market & Grand Auction in New York City’s Theater District on Sunday, September 22, 2024. Learn how to attend.
Alicia Keys & More to be Honored at Black Theatre United 2024 Gala

Black Theatre United has unveiled details for the auction at the 2024 Gala, 'Generations of Excellence'. Learn more!
Broadway Buying Guide: September 9, 2024- See Alyssa Milano in CHICAGO Starting Next Week

Looking for the best deals on Broadway shows? Welcome to our new weekly guide to the most popular shows listed on BroadwayWorld. Check out which shows are selling this week, September 9, 2024.
Review Roundup: TABLE 17 Opens at MCC Theater

The World Premiere of MCC Theater's Table 17 by Douglas Lyons and directed by Zhailon Levingston opened at MCC Theater last night, Friday, September 6th. Previously extended through September 22, Table 17 will now play through Sunday September 29 at MCC Theater’s Susan & Ronald Frankel Theater. See what the critics had to say!
Photos: Inside Opening Night of TABLE 17 at MCC

The World Premiere of MCC Theater's Table 17 by Douglas Lyons and directed by Zhailon Levingston just celebrated its opening night at MCC Theater’s Susan & Ronald Frankel Theater. BroadwayWorld was there for the special night and you can check out photos here
Video: Building the Set For TABLE 17 at MCC Theater

An all new video has been released showing behind the scenes of building the immersive set of TABLE 17. Check out the video here!
World Premiere Of LIBERTY TALKS: A COLOSSAL SATIRE Comes to Wellfleet Harbor Actors Theater

Wellfleet Harbor Actors Theater will present the World Premiere of LIBERTY TALKS: A Colossal Satire by Provincetown playwright Fermin Rojas, directed by Janice L. Goldberg.
TABLE 17 Extends at MCC Theater Through Late September

The World Premiere of MCC Theater's Table 17 by Douglas Lyons and directed by Zhailon Levingston has been extended for an additional week. Learn how to purchase tickets.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many Broadway shows has Kara Young been in?

Kara Young has appeared on Broadway in 3 shows.

How many West End shows has Kara Young been in?

Kara Young has not appeared in the West End.

What awards has Kara Young been nominated for?

Outstanding Featured Performance in a Play (Drama Desk Awards) for Purlie Victorious, Distinguished Performance (Drama League Awards) for Purlie Victorious, Outstanding Featured Performer in a Broadway Play (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Purlie Victorious, Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Play (Tony Awards) for Purlie Victorious, Outstanding Featured Performance in a Play (Drama Desk Awards) for Cost of Living, Outstanding Lead Performance in a Play (Drama Desk Awards) for Twelfth Night, Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Play (Tony Awards) for Cost of Living, Performance Award (Obie Awards) for Twelfth Night, Theatre World Awards (Theatre World Awards) for Clyde's and Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Play (Tony Awards) for Clyde's.

What awards has Kara Young won?

Kara Young has won several awards, including the Outstanding Featured Performer in a Broadway Play at the Outer Critics Circle Awards for Purlie Victorious. She also received the Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Play at the Tony Awards for Purlie Victorious. Additionally, she earned a Performance Award at the Obie Awards for Twelfth Night and won the Theatre World Award for Clyde's.

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